U.S. patent application number 17/438222 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-09 for impedance controlled electrical contact.
The applicant listed for this patent is SAMTEC, INC.. Invention is credited to Clarence L. CLYATT, III, Travis ELLIS.
Application Number | 20220181826 17/438222 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006221762 |
Filed Date | 2022-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220181826 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CLYATT, III; Clarence L. ;
et al. |
June 9, 2022 |
IMPEDANCE CONTROLLED ELECTRICAL CONTACT
Abstract
A radio frequency (RF) electrical contact includes an electrical
contact having a stationary electrical contact member and a movable
electrical contact member that is received by the stationary
electrical contact member. The movable electrical contact member is
movable between an initial position and a mated position. The
movable electrical contact member can contact the stationary
electrical contact member at a stationary or fixed contact
location.
Inventors: |
CLYATT, III; Clarence L.;
(New Albany, IN) ; ELLIS; Travis; (Tigard,
OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMTEC, INC. |
New Albany |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006221762 |
Appl. No.: |
17/438222 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
March 11, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2020/021964 |
371 Date: |
September 10, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62816865 |
Mar 11, 2019 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 24/44 20130101;
H01R 13/2421 20130101; H01R 13/6315 20130101; H01R 12/714
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01R 24/44 20060101
H01R024/44; H01R 13/24 20060101 H01R013/24; H01R 13/631 20060101
H01R013/631 |
Claims
1. An electrical contact comprising: a stationary electrical
contact member; and a movable electrical contact member that is
movable with respect to the stationary electrical contact member
from an initial position to a mated position, wherein the movable
electrical contact member is in contact with the stationary
electrical contact member both in the initial position and the
mated position, wherein the electrical contact is configured to
conduct RF signals within 10 percent of a target impedance both
when the movable electrical contact member is in the initial
position and when the movable electrical contact member is in the
mated position.
2. The electrical contact as recited in claim 1, wherein the target
impedance is 50.OMEGA..
3. The electrical contact as recited in claim 1, wherein the
single-ended impedance is within 3.OMEGA. of the target
impedance.
4. The electrical contact as recited in claim 1, wherein the
single-ended impedance is within 1.OMEGA. of the target
impedance.
5. The electrical contact as recited in claim 1, wherein the
movable electrical contact member contacts a contact location of
the stationary electrical contact member as the movable electrical
contact member moves from the initial position to the mated
position, and the contact location of the stationary electrical
contact member is stationary as the movable electrical contact
member moves from the initial position to the mated position.
6. The electrical contact as recited in claim 5, further comprises
an electrically conductive outer housing that is electrically
isolated from each of the movable and stationary electrical contact
members.
7. The electrical contact as recited in claim 6, wherein the
electrically conductive housing defines a first zone having a first
inner cross-sectional dimension, and a second zone having a second
inner cross-sectional dimension that is greater than the first
inner cross-sectional dimension.
8. The electrical contact as recited in claim 7, wherein the second
zone is aligned with a distal free end of the stationary electrical
contact member.
9. The electrical contact as recited in claim 6, wherein the
contact defines a gap that extends from the movable inner contact
member to the outer housing, and the gap is at least approximately
5 mils.
10. The electrical contact as recited in claim 7, further
comprising an electrically insulative spacer that extends from the
stationary electrical contact member to the outer housing.
11. The electrical contact as recited in claim 89, wherein the
outer surface of the movable inner contact member is tapered from a
first region to a front end that is configured to mate with an
electrical contact pad of a substrate.
12. The electrical contact as recited in claim 11, wherein the
outer surface of the movable inner member tapers from a first
cross-sectional dimension to a second cross-sectional dimension
that ranges from 50 percent to 90 percent of the first
cross-sectional dimension.
13. The electrical contact as recited in claim 12, wherein the
second cross-sectional dimension is approximately five-sixths of
the first cross-sectional dimension.
14. The electrical contact as recited in claim 1, wherein the
movable electrical contact member is biased toward the initial
position.
15. The electrical contact as recited in claim 1, wherein the
stationary electrical contact member comprises at least one arm
that defines a distal end of the stationary electrical contact
member, and the movable electrical contact member is in contact
with the distal end both in the initial position and the mated
position, and at all positions between the initial position and the
mated position.
16. The electrical contact as recited in claim 15, wherein the at
least one arm of the stationary electrical contact member comprises
first and second cantilevered arms.
17. The electrical contact as recited in claim 16, wherein each of
the first and second cantilevered arms are resilient and deflected
outward, and apply an inward spring force against the movable
electrical contact member.
18. The electrical contact as recited in claim 1, wherein the
electrical contact is an RF electrical contact.
19. The electrical contact as recited in claim 1, wherein the
electrical contact transmits RF signals through approximately 67
GHz.
20. The electrical contact as recited in claim 1, wherein the
electrical contact transmits RF signals through approximately 72
GHz.
21. The electrical contact as recited in claim 1, wherein the
electrical contact transmits RF signals through approximately 108
GHz.
22. The electrical contact as recited in claim 1, wherein the
movable electrical contact defines a first mating end, the
electrical contact is elongate along a central axis, and the
electrical contact further comprises a ground contact member that
defines a second mating end that at least partially surrounds the
first mating end in a plane that is oriented substantially
perpendicular to the central axis.
23. The electrical contact as recited in claim 22, wherein the
second mating end extends about an entirety of the first mating end
in the plane.
24. An array of electrical contacts, comprising: an array housing;
and the electrical contact as recited in claim 23 supported by the
array housing, wherein the array housing includes an internal
surface that defines a recess that surrounds an entirety of the
ground mating end.
25. The array of electrical contacts as recited in claim 24,
wherein the array housing is electrically conductive.
26. The electrical contact as recited in claim 24, wherein the
second mating end extends about a portion less than an entirety of
the first mating end in the plane.
27. An array of electrical contacts, comprising: an array housing;
and the electrical contact as recited in claim 23 supported by the
array housing, wherein the array housing includes an internal
surface that defines a recess that partially surrounds the ground
mating end, wherein the internal surface further defines a channel
that extends from the recess toward an outer perimeter of the array
housing.
28. The array of electrical contacts as recited in claim 27,
wherein the channel extends from the recess to the outer perimeter
of the array housing.
29. The array of electrical contacts as recited in claim 27,
wherein the array housing is electrically conductive.
30-88. (canceled)
89. The electrical contact as recited in claim 1, wherein the
movable electrical contact member has an outer surface that is in
contact with the stationary electrical contact member both in the
initial position and the mated position, and at all positions
between the initial position and the mated position,
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.
62/816,865 filed Mar. 11, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety
herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Electrical connectors include an electrically conductive
electrical contact that is configured to be placed in electrical
communication with first and second electrical components so as to
allow data transfer between the first and second electrical
components. A radio frequency (RF) electrical contact has a
mounting end that is typically mounted to a coaxial cable, and a
mating end that typically mates to a printed circuit board, thereby
placing the coaxial cable and the printed circuit board in
electrical communication with each other. The RF electrical contact
can form a separable interface with the printed circuit board.
[0003] Certain types of RF contacts include an outer electrical
conductor, an inner electrical conductor, and an electrically
insulative spacer disposed between the inner and outer electrical
conductors. The inner electrical conductor is configured to mate
with the printed circuit board, and further configured to be
mounted to the electrical signal conductor of the coaxial cable.
The outer electrical conductor is configured to mount to an outer
electrical shield or ground of the coaxial cable. In some RF
contacts, the inner conductor is movable and spring biased.
Accordingly, as the mating end of the inner conductor is placed
against the printed circuit board, the spring becomes compressed,
thereby applying a biasing force to the inner conductor against the
printed circuit board.
[0004] However, movement of the inner electrical conductor of
conventional RF contacts can cause impedance to vary along the
length of the electrical contact. It is therefore desired to
provide an electrical RF contact having a movable inner conductor
while achieving a substantially constant impedance profile along
its length.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an array of RF electrical
contacts supported by an array housing;
[0006] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an RF electrical contact of
the RF electrical contacts of FIG. 1 shown in an initial
configuration prior to being mated with a printed circuit
board;
[0007] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the RF electrical contact
illustrated in FIG. 2A, but shown in a mated configuration when
mated with a printed circuit board;
[0008] FIG. 2C is a front end elevation view of the RF electrical
contact illustrated in FIG. 2A, but constructed in accordance with
an alternative embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 2D is a side elevation view of a movable inner contact
member illustrated in FIG. 1C;
[0010] FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the RF electrical
contact illustrated in FIG. 2A, shown including a movable inner
contact member, a stationary inner contact member, a spring, a
spring seat, an electrically insulative spacer, an electrically
conductive housing, and a ferrule;
[0011] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the stationary inner
contact member illustrated in FIG. 3A;
[0012] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the electrically insulative
spacer coupled to the stationary inner contact member illustrated
in FIG. 3A;
[0013] FIG. 4A is a sectional side elevation view of the RF
electrical contact illustrated in FIG. 3A, shown in the initial
configuration and aligned to be mated with a printed circuit
board;
[0014] FIG. 4B is an enlarged sectional side elevation view of the
RF electrical contact illustrated in FIG. 4A, shown mated with the
printed circuit board and mounted to an electrical cable;
[0015] FIG. 5A is an enlarged sectional side elevation view of a
portion of the RF electrical contact illustrated in FIG. 4A,
showing an interface between the movable inner contact member and
the stationary inner contact member;
[0016] FIG. 5B is an enlarged sectional side elevation view of a
portion of the RF electrical contact illustrated in FIG. 4B,
showing an interface between the movable inner contact member and
the stationary inner contact member;
[0017] FIG. 6A is a sectional end elevation view of the RF
electrical contact illustrated in FIG. 4A, taken along line
6A-6A;
[0018] FIG. 6B is a sectional end elevation view of the RF
electrical contact illustrated in FIG. 4A, taken along line
6B-6B;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of an array of
electrical contacts similar to FIG. 1A, but shown in accordance
with another example;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a graph that plots differential return loss as a
function of operating frequency of the RF electrical contact in
accordance with one example.
SUMMARY
[0021] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, an
electrical contact can include a stationary electrical contact
member, and a movable electrical contact member that is movable
with respect to the stationary electrical contact member from an
initial position to a mated position. The movable electrical
contact member can be in contact with the stationary electrical
contact member both in the initial position and the mated position,
and at all positions between the initial position and the mated
position. The electrical contact can be configured to conduct RF
signals within 10 percent of a target impedance both when the
movable electrical contact member is in the initial position and
when movable electrical contact member is in the mated
position.
[0022] In another example, the electrical contact can be configured
to conduct RF signals up to 72 GHz, including up to 67 GHZ.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1-2D, an array 10 of electrical contacts
20 can include a plurality of electrical contacts 20 and an array
housing 12 that supports the electrical contacts 20. In particular,
the array housing 12 can support the electrical contacts 20 such
that the electrical contacts 20 are aligned with each other along
one or more columns and one or more rows that are substantially
perpendicular to the one or more columns. That is, respective
central axes 31 (see FIG. 3A) of the electrical contacts 20 can be
aligned with each other along one or more columns and one or more
rows. The array housing 12 defines a front end 13 and a rear end 15
opposite the front end 13 along a longitudinal direction that is
perpendicular to each of the columns and rows. The front end 13 is
spaced from the rear end 15 in a forward direction. Conversely, the
rear end 15 is spaced from the front end 13 in a rearward direction
opposite the forward direction.
[0024] Each of the electrical contacts 20 can include a signal
contact member that defines a first or signal mating end 23, and a
ground contact member 14 that defines a second or ground mating end
25. In particular, each of the electrical contacts can include an
outer housing 22 that defines the ground contact member 14. The
outer housing 22 includes an outer housing body 27, and the ground
mating end 25 projects out from outer housing body 27. The signal
mating end 23 and the ground mating end 25 can each project out
from the front end 13 in the forward direction. In particular, the
array housing 12 defines an aperture 16 that extends through the
front end 13. The signal mating end 23 and the ground mating end 25
extend through the aperture 16 in the forward direction. Further,
the front end 13 defines an internal surface 17 that defines the
aperture 16.
[0025] The internal surface 17 can at least partially surround the
ground mating end 25. For instance, the internal surface 17 can
entirely surround the ground mating end 25. That is, the internal
surface 17 can extend continuously and uninterrupted about an
entirety of the ground contact member 14, and in particular the
ground mating end 25, in a plane that is oriented perpendicular to
the central axis 31 (see FIG. 3A). For example, the internal
surface 17 can define a complete substantial circle in the plane.
It should be appreciated, however, that the internal surface 17 can
define any suitable alternative shape in the plane as desired.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, a radio frequency (RF) electrical
contact 20 can include an outer housing 22 and an inner electrical
contact 24. The outer housing 22 can be electrically conductive and
can define the ground contact member 14. The inner electrical
contact 24 can be electrically conductive and supported at least
partially in the outer housing 22. The inner electrical contact 24
can define the signal contact member. In one example, the outer
housing 22 can be made from any suitable electrically conductive
material such as metal. For instance, the outer housing 22 can be
brass. The inner electrical contact 24 can be electrically
insulated from the electrically conductive housing 22 with respect
to electrical conduction. The electrical contact 20 can define a
mounting end 21 that is configured to be mounted to an electrical
cable, such as a coaxial cable. Further, the electrical contact 20
can define a signal mating end 23 that is configured to mate with a
printed circuit board, thereby placing the RF electrical contact 20
in electrical communication with the printed circuit board.
[0027] In particular, the signal contact member of the electrical
contact 20 includes a movable contact member 26 and a stationary
contact member 30 (see FIG. 3A). The movable and stationary inner
contact members 26 and 30 can be referred to as a movable inner
contact member 26 and a stationary inner contact member 30,
respectively, because the movable and stationary contact members 26
and 30 are disposed inward with respect to the outer housing 22.
The movable inner contact member 26 and the stationary inner
contact member 30 can combine to define a transmission path from
the mounting end 21 to the mating end 23, as described in more
detail below. Thus, when the RF electrical contact 20 is mated with
the printed circuit board and mounted to the electrical cable, the
electrical cable and the printed circuit board are placed in
electrical communication with each other through the RF electrical
contact 20. The movable inner contact member 26 can define the
first or signal mating end 23 in one example.
[0028] The electrical contact 20 can define a forward direction
from the mounting end 21 to the mating end 23. Similarly, the
electrical contact can define a rearward direction that is opposite
the forward direction. The rearward direction can extend from the
mating end 23 to the mounting end 21. Thus, terms such as
"forward," "front," and words of similar import as used herein are
intended to refer to the forward direction. Similarly, terms such
as "rearward," "rear," and words of similar import as used herein
are intended to refer to the rearward direction.
[0029] The electrical contact 20 can include an electrically
conductive movable inner contact member 26 that is movable between
a first or initial position of the inner electrical contact 24
illustrated in FIG. 2A and a second or mated position of the inner
electrical contact 24 as illustrated in FIG. 2B. The movable inner
contact member 26 can be rearwardly recessed in the mated position
with respect to the initial position. When the RF electrical
contact 20 is mated to the printed circuit board, a mating force
causes the movable inner contact member to move from the initial
position to the mated position. The electrical contact 20 can be
said to have a first or initial configuration when the movable
inner contact member 26 is in the initial position. The electrical
contact 20 can be said to have a second or mated configuration when
the movable inner contact member is in the mated position.
[0030] As will be appreciated from the description below, the
electrical contact 20 can have a first single-ended impedance in
the initial configuration, and a second single-ended impedance in
the mated configuration. The first and second single-ended
impedances can be substantially equal to each other. For instance,
the first and second single-ended impedances can be sufficiently
equal to each other so as to allow the electrical contact 20 to
transmit RF signals along the inner electrical contact 24 between
the coaxial cable and the printed circuit board at a target
operating frequency that can be up to and including approximately
72 GHz, such as approximately 67 GHz.
[0031] In one example, the second single-ended impedance can be
plus or minus 10% of the first single-ended impedance. For
instance, the first single-ended impedance can be approximately
50.OMEGA. (ohms). Thus, the second single-ended impedance can be in
a range from approximately 45.OMEGA. to approximately 55.OMEGA.,
including approximately 50.OMEGA., when the first single-ended
impedance is approximately 50.OMEGA.. Accordingly, the second
single-ended impedance can be within 5.OMEGA. of the first
single-ended impedance.
[0032] In another example, the second single-ended impedance can be
plus or minus 8% of the first single-ended impedance. Thus, the
second single-ended impedance can be in a range from approximately
46.OMEGA. to approximately 54.OMEGA. including approximately
50.OMEGA., when the first single-ended impedance is approximately
50.OMEGA.. Accordingly, the second single-ended impedance can be
within 4.OMEGA. of the first single-ended impedance.
[0033] In another example, the second single-ended impedance can be
plus or minus 6% of the first single-ended impedance. Thus, the
second single-ended impedance can be in a range from approximately
47.OMEGA. to approximately 53.OMEGA., including approximately
50.OMEGA., when the first single-ended impedance is approximately
50.OMEGA.. Accordingly, the second single-ended impedance can be
within 3.OMEGA. of the first single-ended impedance.
[0034] In another example, the second single-ended impedance can be
plus or minus 5% of the first single-ended impedance. Thus, the
second single-ended impedance can be in a range from approximately
47.5.OMEGA. to approximately 52.5.OMEGA., including approximately
50.OMEGA., when the first single-ended impedance is approximately
50.OMEGA.. Accordingly, the second single-ended impedance can be
within 2.5.OMEGA. of the first single-ended impedance.
[0035] In another example, the second single-ended impedance can be
plus or minus 4% of the first single-ended impedance. Thus, the
second single-ended impedance can be in a range from approximately
48.OMEGA. to approximately 52.OMEGA., including approximately
50.OMEGA., when the first single-ended impedance is approximately
50.OMEGA.. Accordingly, the second single-ended impedance can be
within 2.OMEGA. of the first single-ended impedance.
[0036] In another example, the second single-ended impedance can be
plus or minus 3% of the first single-ended impedance. Thus, the
second single-ended impedance can be in a range from approximately
48.5.OMEGA. to approximately 51.5.OMEGA., including approximately
50.OMEGA., when the first single-ended impedance is approximately
50.OMEGA.. Accordingly, the second single-ended impedance can be
within 1.5.OMEGA. of the first single-ended impedance.
[0037] In another example, the second single-ended impedance can be
plus or minus 2% of the first single-ended impedance. Thus, the
second single-ended impedance can be in a range from approximately
49.OMEGA. to approximately 51.OMEGA., including approximately
50.OMEGA., when the first single-ended impedance is approximately
50.OMEGA.. Accordingly, the second single-ended impedance can be
within 1.OMEGA. of the first single-ended impedance.
[0038] In another example, the second single-ended impedance can be
plus or minus 1% of the first single-ended impedance. Thus, the
second single-ended impedance can be in a range from approximately
49.5.OMEGA. to approximately 50.5.OMEGA., including approximately
50.OMEGA., when the first single-ended impedance is approximately
50.OMEGA.. Accordingly, the second single-ended impedance can be
within 0.5.OMEGA. of the first single-ended impedance.
[0039] In this regard, it should be recognized that when the first
single-ended impedance is approximately 50.OMEGA., the second
single-ended impedance can be in a range from approximately
45.OMEGA. to approximately 55.OMEGA., including approximately
46.OMEGA., approximately 47.OMEGA., approximately 48.OMEGA.,
approximately 49.OMEGA., approximately 50.OMEGA., approximately
51.OMEGA., approximately 52.OMEGA., approximately 53.OMEGA.,
approximately 54.OMEGA., approximately and 55.OMEGA..
[0040] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately,"
"about," derivatives thereof, and words of similar import as used
herein recognizes that referenced dimensions, sizes, shapes,
directions, or other parameters can include the stated dimensions,
sizes, shapes, directions, values, or other parameters as well as
up to .+-.10%, including .+-.8%, .+-.6%, .+-.5%, .+-.4%, .+-.3%,
.+-.2%, and .+-.1% of the stated dimensions, sizes, shapes,
directions, values, or other parameters. Further, the term "at
least one" stated structure as used herein can refer to either or
both of a single one of the stated structure and a plurality of the
stated structure. Additionally, reference herein to a singular "a,"
"an," or "the" applies with equal force and effect to a plurality
unless otherwise indicated. Similarly, reference to a plurality
herein applies with equal force and effect to the singular "a,"
"an," or "the."
[0041] Further, the electrical contact 20 can be configured to
operate at a target impedance. The first single-ended impedance and
the second single-ended impedance can be within plus or minus 10%
of the target impedance, it being recognized that the actual first
and second single-ended impedances can vary due to factors such as
manufacturing tolerances. In some examples, the first and second
single-ended impedances can be within plus or minus 5% of the
target impedance. For instance, the first and second single-ended
impedances can be within plus or minus 4% of the target impedance,
such as 3% of the target impedance, and in particular 2% of the
target impedance, and in one specific example within 1% of the
target impedance. In one example, the target impedance can be
approximately 50.OMEGA.. In other examples, the target impedance
can be approximately 40.OMEGA.. In still other examples, the target
impedance can be approximately 60.OMEGA.. Thus, the target
impedance can range from approximately 40.OMEGA. to approximately
60.OMEGA., including approximately 41.OMEGA., approximately
42.OMEGA., approximately 43.OMEGA., approximately 44.OMEGA.,
approximately 45.OMEGA., approximately 46.OMEGA., approximately
47.OMEGA., approximately 48.OMEGA., approximately 49.OMEGA.,
approximately 50.OMEGA., approximately 51.OMEGA., approximately
52.OMEGA., approximately 53.OMEGA., approximately 54.OMEGA.,
approximately 55.OMEGA., approximately 56.OMEGA., approximately
57.OMEGA., approximately 58.OMEGA., and approximately 59.OMEGA.. It
should be appreciated, of course, that the target impedance can be
any suitable impedance as desired, such as approximately 1.OMEGA.
to 100.OMEGA., or any other impedance. The first and second
impedance values can be plus or minus 5.OMEGA. of the target
impedance. In some examples, the first and second impedance values
can be plus or minus 1.OMEGA. of the target impedance.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 3A, the RF electrical contact 20 can
include the outer housing 22, and the inner electrical contact 24
that includes the movable inner contact member 26 and the
stationary inner contact member 30. The inner electrical contact 24
can extend along a central axis 31. The RF electrical contact 20
can further include an electrically insulative spacer 28 that is
configured to electrically insulate the inner electrical contact 24
from the outer housing 22. The RF electrical contact 20 can further
include a spring 32 and a spring seat 34 arranged such that the
spring 32 is configured to apply a forward biasing force against
the movable inner contact member 26 that biases the movable inner
contact member 26 toward the initial position. The electrical
contact 20 can further include a ferrule 36 that is configured to
receive an electrical cable so as to mount the electrical cable to
the electrical contact 20. The electrical cable can be configured
as a coaxial cable. One or more up to all of the outer housing 22,
the movable inner contact member 26, the stationary inner contact
member 30, the electrically insulative spacer 28, the spring 32,
the spring seat 34, and the ferule 36 can have respective central
axes that are defined by the central axis 31.
[0043] The terms "outward" and "inward" and words of similar import
as used herein are intended to refer to the central axis 31. For
instance, terms such as "outward," "outer," and words of similar
import are intended to refer to a direction radially out from the
central axis. Similarly, terms such as "inward," "inner," and words
of similar import are intended to refer to a direction radially
toward the central axis. It is recognized that certain components
can be cylindrical or otherwise round in shape. Thus, the central
axis 31 can be said to be oriented along an axial direction, which
can also be referred to as a longitudinal direction. Directions
perpendicular to the central axis 31 can be referred to as radial
directions. However, it is also recognized that perpendicular
directions that extend perpendicular to the central axis 31 can be
referred to as a lateral direction and a transverse direction that
are perpendicular to each other. For instance, the rows of
electrical contacts 20 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B can be arranged along
the lateral direction, and the columns of electrical contacts 20
shown in FIGS. 1A-1B can be arranged along the transverse
direction. Similarly, reference herein to one or both of the
lateral direction and the transverse direction can be referred to
as the radial direction in some examples. In this regard, it is
recognized that the components of the electrical contact 20 need
not be cylindrical or round, and that all suitable alternative
geometric shapes and configurations are contemplated herein. Thus,
terms such as "circumferential" and words of similar import is
intended to refer to a direction that surrounds the central axis
31. In some examples, a circumferential direction can be a circular
direction. It should be appreciated that the term "circumferential"
as used herein can refer to any shape that extends about or at
least partially about the central axis in a plane that is oriented
perpendicular to the central axis.
[0044] Referring now also to FIG. 3B, the stationary inner contact
member 30 can include a base portion 38 and at least one contact
arm 40 that extends out from the base portion 38 and terminates at
a distal end 39 of the stationary inner contact member 30. The
contact arm 40 is configured to contact the movable inner contact
member 26 as the inner contact member 26 moves with respect to the
stationary contact member 30 between the insertion position and the
mated position, thereby establishing an electrical connection
between the movable inner contact member 26 and the stationary
inner contact member 30. In one example, the movable inner contact
member 26 can be received in the stationary inner contact member 30
as the movable inner contact member 26 moves from the initial
position to the mated position.
[0045] The at least one contact arm 40 can extend forward from the
base portion 38 to the distal end 39. The distal end 39 can be a
free distal end. Thus, the at least one arm 40 can be said to be
cantilevered from the base portion 38. The stationary inner contact
member 30 can define a radially inner surface 41 and a radially
outer surface 43 opposite the radially inner surface 41. The at
least one arm 40 can be configured to contact the movable inner
contact member 26 at the radially inner surface 41. The at least
one contact arm 40 can define an inner cross-sectional dimension at
the at least one radially inner surface 41. Further, the stationary
inner contact member 30 can define an inner channel 51 that is
defined by the radially inner surface 41. The inner channel 51 can
extend at least into the stationary inner contact member 30
rearwardly from the distal end 39. The inner channel 51 can
terminate longitudinally in the stationary inner contact member 30.
Alternatively, the inner channel 51 can extend entirely through the
stationary inner contact member 30 along the longitudinal
direction.
[0046] The at least one contact arm 40 can further define an outer
cross-sectional dimension at the at least one radially outer
surface 43. The at least one contact arm 40 can extend along a
circular path in a plane that is oriented perpendicular to the
central axis 31. Thus, the inner and outer cross-sectional
dimensions can be diameters, though it should be appreciated that
the at least one contact arm 40 can be alternatively shaped as
desired. In some examples, the inner and outer cross-sectional
dimensions can intersect the central axis 31.
[0047] At least a portion of the at least one radially inner
surface 41 up to an entirety of the at least one radially inner
surface 41 can taper radially inwardly toward the central axis 31
of the inner electrical contact 24 as it extends in the forward
direction along the at least one arm 40 to the distal end 39. The
at least one radially outer surface 43 can extend parallel to the
at least one radially inner surface 41 in some examples. Thus, at
least a portion of the at least one radially outer surface 43 up to
an entirety of the at least one radially outer surface 43 can
similarly taper radially inward as it extends forward along the at
least one arm with respect to the base portion 38. The base portion
38 can define a shoulder 45 having an outer cross-sectional
dimension greater than the outer cross-sectional dimension of the
at least one arm 40. The shoulder 45 can extend along a circular
path in a plane that is oriented perpendicular to the central axis
31. Thus, the outer cross-sectional dimension of the shoulder 45
can be a diameter, though it should be appreciated that the
shoulder 45 can be alternatively shaped as desired. In some
examples, the outer cross-sectional dimension of the shoulder 45
can intersect the central axis 31.
[0048] In one example, the at least one arm 40 can include first
and second contact arms 40a and 40b that extend out from the base
portion 38. The stationary inner contact member 30 can define at
least one slot 46 that separates the first and second arms 40a and
40b from each other. For instance, the at least one slot 46 can
extend through the stationary inner contact member 30, and can have
a circumferential width so as to separate the first and second arms
40a and 40b from each other. In one example, the stationary inner
contact member 30 can define first and second slots 46.
[0049] The first and second slots 46 can be disposed radially
opposite each other. Further, the first and second slots 46 can
have the same circumferential width that separates the first and
second contact arms 40a and 40b from each other. The width of each
of the slots 46 can taper circumferentially as the slots extend in
the forward direction. The first and second arms 40a and 40b can be
disposed radially opposite each other. Further, the first and
second arms 40a and 40b can have the approximately the same size
and shape. For instance, the first and second arms 40a and 40b can
have the same circumferential width. Further, the first and second
arms 40a and 40b can have the same longitudinal length. It should
be appreciated, of course, that the first and second slots can be
disposed at any suitable location as desired, and can have any
suitable size and shape as desired. The first and second slots 46
can extend forward from the base portion 38 through the distal end
39. Thus, a respective entirety of the first arm 40a can be
circumferentially spaced from a respective entirety of the second
arm 40b.
[0050] As will be appreciated from the description below, the first
and second arms 40a and 40b can be resiliently supported by the
base portion 38. Thus, when the first and second arms 40a and 40b
are elastically deflected outward, the first and second arms 40a
and 40b can be inwardly biased. The first and second arms 40a and
40b can define respective first and second inner surface portions
41a and 41b of the inner surface 41 of the stationary inner contact
member 30. One or both of the first and second radially inner
surface portions 41a and 41b can be configured to contact the
movable inner contact member 26 as the inner contact member 26
moves between the insertion position and the mated position,
thereby establishing an electrical connection between the movable
inner contact member 26 and the stationary inner contact member 30,
including each of the contact arms 40a and 40b.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 3C, and as described above, the
electrically insulative spacer 28 can be disposed between the inner
electrical contact 24 and the outer housing 22. The spacer 28 can
thus maintain a radial gap between the inner electrical contact 24
and the outer housing 22, maintaining electrical isolation between
the inner electrical contact 24 and the outer housing 22. In one
example, the electrically insulative spacer 24 can be mounted to
the stationary inner contact member 30. For instance, the
electrically insulative spacer 24 can be mounted onto the at least
one radially outer surface 43 of the at least one contact arm 40.
In particular, the at least one contact arm 40 can be received by
an opening 47 that extends longitudinally through the electrically
insulative spacer 28. For instance, the first and second arms 40a
and 40b can define respective first and second outer surface
portions 43a and 43b of the outer surface 43 of the stationary
inner contact member 30. The electrically insulative spacer 28 can
be mounted to the first and second outer surface portions 43a and
43b.
[0052] In one example, the electrically insulative spacer 28 can at
least partially surround a portion of the at least one contact arm
40. For instance, the electrically insulative spacer 28 can at
least partially surround each of the first and second contact arms
40a and 40b. In one example, the electrically insulative spacer 28
can extend from a first or rear end 28a to a second or front end
28b. The rear end 28a can abut the shoulder 45 or can be positioned
adjacent the shoulder 45. The front end 28b can be radially aligned
with the first and second contact arms 40a and 40b. Further, the
front end 28b can be spaced from the distal end 39 in the rearward
direction. Respective front ends of the first and second contact
arms 40a and 40b can extend forward from the electrically
insulative spacer 28 to the distal end 39. The spacer 28 can be
made of any suitable material as desired. For instance, the spacer
28 can be a Teflon spacer in one example.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 4A, an electrical communication
assembly 18 can include the electrical contact 20 and the
underlying substrate 48. In one example, the electrical contact 20
can be an RF electrical contact of the type described herein, such
that the electrical communication assembly 18 can be an RF
communication assembly. In FIG. 4A, the RF electrical contact 20 is
shown in the initial configuration aligned to be mated to an
underlying substrate 48. The substrate 48 can be configured as a
printed circuit board in one example. The substrate 48 can define
an outer surface 49 and an electrical contact pad 50 at the outer
surface 49. The movable inner contact member 26 can be configured
to contact the electrical contact pad 50 so as to establish an
electrical connection between the RF electrical contact and the
substrate 48. The electrical contact 20 can be moved in the forward
direction so as to mate the electrical contact with the substrate
48. Thus, the forward direction can also be referred to as a mating
direction. In some examples, the front end 13 of the array housing
12 (see FIG. 1) can abut the outer surface 49 of the substrate 48
when the electrical contact 20 is mated to the substrate 48.
Alternatively, the front end 13 of the array housing 12 can be
spaced from the outer surface 49 of the substrate 48 when the
electrical contact 20 is mated to the substrate 48.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 4B, the ferrule 36 can be coupled to the
outer housing 22. In particular, the ferrule 36 can be coupled to
the rear end of the outer housing 22. The ferrule 36 can define a
ferrule channel 37 that extends through the ferrule 36 along the
longitudinal direction. The ferrule 36 can be coupled to the rear
end of the outer housing 22, such that the ferrule channel 37 is
aligned with the inner channel 51 of the stationary inner contact
member 30. For instance, the ferrule 36 can be threadedly coupled
to the outer housing 22. Alternatively, the ferrule 36 can be
defined by the outer housing 22.
[0055] The RF communication assembly 18 can further include an
electrical cable 71. The RF electrical contact 20 is configured to
be mounted to the electrical cable 71. Thus, when the RF electrical
contact 20 is mated to the substrate 48 and mounted to the
electrical cable, the substrate 48 and the electrical cable 71 are
placed in electrical communication with each other through the RF
electrical contact 20. The electrical cable 71 can be configured as
a coaxial cable. Thus, the electrical cable 71 can include an RF
signal conductor 72, an electrical insulator 74 that surrounds the
RF signal conductor, an electrical shield 76 that surrounds the
electrical insulator 74, and an outer electrically insulative
jacket 78 that surrounds the electrical shield 76.
[0056] The electrical cable 71 can be received in the ferrule
channel 37 of the ferrule 36. The electrical or RF signal conductor
72 can couple to the inner electrical contact 24, thereby placing
the RF signal conductor 72 in electrical communication with the
stationary inner contact member 26 with respect to electrical
conduction. Thus, during operation, RF signals can travel along the
movable inner contact member 26 and the stationary inner contact
member 30 between the substrate 48 and the RF signal conductor 72
of the electrical cable 71. In one example, the RF signal conductor
72 can couple to the stationary inner contact member 30 in any
suitable manner as desired. For instance, the RF signal conductor
72 can extend into the inner channel 51 of the stationary inner
contact member 30 in the forward direction. Thus, the RF signal
conductor 72 is placed in electrical communication with the
stationary inner contact member 30 with respect to electrical
conduction. The RF signal conductor 72 can be soldered or otherwise
secured to the stationary inner contact member 30.
[0057] The electrical shield 76 can be coupled to the outer housing
22, thereby placing the electrical shield 76 in electrical
communication with the outer housing 22 with respect to electrical
conduction. In this regard, the outer housing 22 can be configured
as an outer electrical contact. The outer housing 22 can be mated
with an electrical ground contact pad of the substrate 48. In
particular, the ground mating end 25 is configured to be brought
against the electrical ground contact pad when the inner contact.
The ground mating end 25 projects out from the front end of the
outer housing 22. In particular, the ground mating end 25 can
project out from the front end of the outer housing 22 in the
forward direction.
[0058] Referring also to FIG. 1, the ground mating end 25 at least
partially surrounds the signal mating end 23. In particular, the
ground mating end 25 at least partially surrounds the signal mating
end 23 in a plane that is oriented perpendicular to the central
axis 31. For instance, the ground mating end 25 can entirely
surround the signal mating end 23. That is, the ground mating end
25 can extend continuously and uninterrupted about an entirety of
the signal mating end 23 in the plane that is oriented
perpendicular to the central axis 31. For example, the ground
mating end 25 can be circular in the plane. It should be
appreciated, however, that the ground mating end 25 can define any
suitable alternative shape in the plane as desired.
[0059] Alternatively, referring now to FIG. 7, the ground mating
end 25 can partially surround the signal mating end 23. In
particular, the ground mating end 25 can partially surround the
signal mating end 23 in a plane that is oriented perpendicular to
the central axis 31. Thus, the ground mating end 25 can surround a
portion of the signal mating end 23. In one example, the ground
contact member 14 can define at least one recess 19 that extends
radially through the ground mating end 25 in the plane. Thus, the
ground mating end 25 can be discontinuous as it extends about the
signal mating end 23 in the plane. In one example, the ground
mating end 25 can define at least two segments 25a and 25b in the
plane. The ground mating end 25 can define respective recesses 19
that are disposed between the segments 25a and 25b in the plane.
The recesses 19 between the first and second segments 25a and 25b
can be disposed opposite each other along the transverse direction
in one example. Further, the recesses 19 can be substantially
identically sized and shaped. Alternatively, the recess can be
arranged as otherwise desired. It should be appreciated of course
that the ground mating end 25 can define any number of segments as
desired. Further, the segments can be arc-shaped or alternatively
shaped as desired. In one example, the first and second segments
25a and 25b can be oriented along a common circular path.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 7, the internal surface 17 can
surround a portion less than an entirety of the ground mating end
25 in a plane that is oriented perpendicular to the central axis
31. In particular, the internal surface 17 can define a channel 29
that extends into the front end 13 along the rearward direction,
and further extends from the aperture 16 toward an outer perimeter
of the front end 13. For instance, the channel 29 can extend from
the aperture 16 to the outer perimeter of the front end 13. For
instance, the channels 29 of the array housing 12 can extend from
an uppermost row of apertures 16 to an upper perimeter of the front
end 13, and the channels 29 of the array housing 12 can extend from
a lowermost row of apertures 16 to a lower perimeter of the front
end 13. The apertures 16 of the uppermost row can partially
surround the ground mating ends 25 of a corresponding uppermost row
of the electrical contacts 20. Similarly, the apertures 16 of the
lowermost row can partially surround the ground mating ends 25 of a
corresponding lowermost row of the electrical contacts 20. It is
thus appreciated that the channel 29 can disrupt the internal
surface 17 as it extends about the ground mating end 25. Otherwise
stated, the internal surface 17 can be discontinuous as it extends
about the ground mating end 25. The channel 29 can extend along the
transverse direction in one example.
[0061] Referring again to FIG. 4B, and as described above, the
movable inner contact member 26 can be movable with respect to the
stationary inner contact member 30 between the initial position and
the mated position. The outer housing 22 can define a channel 52
that is elongate along the longitudinal direction. In particular,
the outer housing 22 can define a radially inner surface 54 that
defines the channel 52. The channel 52 can extend along the central
axis 31. In one example, the central axis 31 can define a central
axis of the channel 52.
[0062] The stationary inner contact member 30 can be disposed in
the channel 52. In one example, the electrically insulative spacer
28 can extend from the outer surface portions 43a and 43b of the
arms 41a and 41b to the radially inner surface 54 of the outer
housing 22. Thus, the stationary inner contact member 30 can be
supported by the electrically insulative spacer 28 such that no
portion of the inner contact member 30 is in contact with the
electrically conductive outer housing 22.
[0063] At least a portion of the movable inner contact member 26
can be disposed in the channel 52. In particular, at least a
portion of the movable inner contact member 26 can be supported in
the inner channel 51 of the stationary inner contact member 30. The
movable inner contact member 26, and in particular the signal
mating end 23, can have an outer surface 53 that defines an outer
cross-sectional dimension of the inner contact member 26. The outer
cross-sectional dimension of the movable inner contact member 26
can be sized greater than the inner cross-sectional dimension of at
least a portion of the stationary inner contact member 30, and in
particular of the at least one arm 41. For instance, the outer
cross-sectional dimension of the movable inner contact member 26
can be sized greater than the inner cross-sectional dimension
defined by the first and second inner surface portions 41a and 41b
at least at a stationary or fixed contact location of the at least
one arm 40. The stationary or fixed contact location does not move
along the longitudinal direction as the movable inner contact
member 26 moves between the initial position and the mated
position.
[0064] In one example, the outer cross-sectional dimension defined
by the outer surface 53 of the movable inner contact member 26 can
be sized greater than the inner cross-sectional dimension defined
by the first and second inner surface portions 41a and 41b only at
the stationary contact location. The stationary contact location
can be defined by the distal end 39 of the arms 40a and 40b. Thus,
the movable inner contact member 26 can contact the stationary
inner contact member 30 only at the stationary contact location. In
particular, the outer surface 53 of the movable inner contact
member 26 can contact the inner surface 41 of the stationary inner
contact member 30 at the stationary contact location. The movable
inner contact member 26 can be spaced from all other locations of
the stationary inner contact member 30 when the movable inner
contact member 26 is in the mated position. As will be appreciated
below, the movable inner contact member 26 can be supported by the
distal end 39 and by the spring 32 so as to be spaced from all
other locations of the stationary inner contact member 30.
[0065] The movable inner contact member 26 can be cylindrical in
shape. Thus, the outer cross-sectional dimension of the movable
inner contact member 26 can be a diameter, though it should be
appreciated that the movable inner contact member 26 can be
alternatively shaped as desired. In some examples, the inner and
outer cross-sectional dimensions can be coincident with the central
axis 31.
[0066] The outer cross-sectional dimension of the movable inner
contact member 26 can be sized to contact the inner surface
portions 41a and 41b at the distal end 39 of the arms 40a and 40b,
thereby causing the arms 40a and 40b to elastically flex radially
outward away from each other. The resilience of the arms 40a and
40b causes the distal end 39 of each of the arms to apply a
radially inward spring force against the outer surface 53 of the
movable inner contact member 26, thereby maintaining contact
between movable inner contact member 26 and each of the arms 40a
and 40b both in the initial position and in the mated position, and
at all locations from the initial position to the mated position.
Thus, the movable inner contact member 26 and the stationary inner
contact member 30 can be in electrical communication with each
other with respect to conduction of RF signals.
[0067] With continuing reference to FIG. 4A, and as described
above, the spring 32 can be configured to bias the inner movable
contact member 26 forward to the initial position. In particular,
the spring seat 34 can be stationary and supported at a location
rearward of the movable inner contact member 26. The spring seat 34
can be disposed in the inner channel 51 of the stationary inner
contact portion 30. Thus, the spring seat 34 can be disposed in the
channel 52 of the outer housing 22. In one example, the spring seat
34 can be press-fit into the inner channel 51. It should be
appreciated, however, that the spring seat 34 can be secured to the
stationary inner contact member 30 as desired. Alternatively, the
spring seat 34 can be monolithic with the stationary inner contact
member 30. For instance, the spring seat 34 can be defined by a
partially or entirely closed end of the channel 52. The central
axis 31 of the RF electrical contact 20 can be coincident with the
central axes of both the movable inner contact member 26 and the
spring seat 34.
[0068] The spring 32 can extend from the spring seat 34 to the
movable inner contact member 26. In particular, the spring 32 can
extend forward from a front end of the spring seat 34 to a rear end
of the movable inner contact member 26. In one example, the spring
32 can extend into the spring seat 34, and can further extend into
the movable inner contact member 26. The spring 32 and the spring
seat 34 can be electrically conductive or electrically insulative
as desired. The spring 32 can be placed in compression, thereby
providing a forward biasing force to the movable inner contact
member 26 in the forward direction. The movable inner contact
member 26 and the stationary inner contact member 30 can define
respective stop surfaces that are configured to abut each other so
as to limit the forward movement of the movable inner contact
member 26 with respect to the stationary inner contact member
30.
[0069] In particular, the movable inner contact member 26 can
define a movable flange 56 that projects out from the outer surface
53. The movable flange 56 can define a rear end of the movable
inner contact member 26. The stationary contact member 30 can
define a stationary flange 58 that extends into the inner channel
51 from the radially inner surface 41. The stationary flange 58 can
extend in from the radially inner surface 41 at the base portion 38
in one example. It should be appreciated that the stationary flange
58 can be alternatively located as desired. Respective stop
surfaces of the movable and stationary flanges 56 and 58 can be
aligned with each other along the longitudinal direction. The stop
surface of the movable flange 56 can be a forward-facing surface of
the movable flange 56, and the stop surface of the stationary
flange 58 can be a rearward-facing surface of the stationary flange
58. When the movable flange 56 and the stationary flange 58 abut
each other at their respective stop surfaces, mechanical
interference prevents the movable inner contact member 26 from
traveling forward under the biasing force of the spring 32. The
movable inner contact member 26 is in the initial position when the
stop surfaces of the flanges 56 and 58 abut each other. When the
movable inner contact member 26 has moved from the initial position
toward the mated position, the stop surfaces of the flanges 56 and
58 separate, and the flanges 56 and 58 are no longer in contact
with each other.
[0070] As described above, the inner surface portions 41a and 41b
of the arms 40a and 40b, respectively, can taper inwardly as they
extend in the forward direction from the base portion 38 to the
stationary contact location. Thus, the inner surface portions 41a
and 41b can flare radially outward as they extend rearward from the
contact location. Accordingly, as illustrated at FIGS. 4A-4B and
6A-6B, the movable and stationary inner contact members 26 and 30
can define a radial gap between the outer surface 53 and the inner
surface 41 at all locations of the movable and stationary inner
contact members 26 and 30 spaced from the stationary contact
member. For instance, as illustrated at FIG. 6A, the stationary
inner contact member 30, including each of the inner surface
portions 41a and 41b and the stationary flange 58, at all locations
rearward of the stationary contact location can be spaced from the
outer surface 53 of the movable inner contact member 26 both when
the movable inner contact member 26 is in the initial position and
in the mated position, and at all positions between the initial
position and the mated position. Further, as illustrated at FIG.
6B, the inner surface 41 of the stationary inner contact member 30
is radially spaced from the movable flange 56 both when the movable
inner contact member 26 is in the initial position and in the mated
position, and at all positions between the initial position and the
mated position.
[0071] During operation, referring now to FIG. 4A, the spring 32
can be in compression when the movable flange 56 abuts the
stationary flange 58. Otherwise stated, the spring 32 is
pretensioned when the movable inner contact member is in the
initial position. Thus, the spring 32 is configured to apply a
biasing spring force to the movable inner contact member 26 in the
forward direction when the movable inner contact member 26 is in
the initial position. The spring force can resist movement of the
movable inner contact member 26 from the initial position toward
the mated position. The inner contact member 26 has a front end 60
that can define the mating end 23 of the RF electrical contact 20.
The front end 60 can define a continuous uninterrupted surface
along a direction that is perpendicular to the central axis 31 as
illustrated in FIG. 4A. Alternatively, the front end 60 can define
an annulus that surrounds the central axis 31.
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 4B, the mating end 23, and in
particular the front end 60, can be placed against the contact pad
50 of the substrate 48 with sufficient force to overcome the spring
force of the spring 32 that biases the movable inner contact member
26 toward the initial position. For instance, the RF electrical
contact 20 can be supported by a dielectric housing. The housing
can be secured to the substrate 48 such that the mating end 23
contacts the electrical contact pad 50, which in turn causes the
movable inner contact member 26 to move in the rearward direction
against the spring force to the mated position. Thus, the spring
force can bias the mating end 23 against the contact pad 50 when
the electrical contact 20 is mated with the contact pad 50. In one
example, the housing can support a plurality of RF electrical
contacts 20 that each mate with respective electrical contact pads
of the substrate 48 when the housing is secured to the substrate.
The electrical contact 20 can also adapt to conditions of thermal
expansion. In particular, thermal expansion can cause the movable
inner contact member 26 to move in the rearward direction, thereby
maintaining electrical and physical contact between the mating end
23 and the contact pad 50.
[0073] As the RF electrical contact 20 is brought toward the
substrate 48, contact between the mating end 23 and the substrate
48 causes the movable inner contact member 26 to travel rearward
against the force of the spring 32 to the mated position. The
movable inner contact member 26 is in the mated position when the
RF electrical contact 20 is secured to the substrate 48. The spring
32 applies a force to the movable inner contact member 26 in the
forward direction, which biases the movable inner contact member
26, and in particular the mating end 23, against the substrate 48.
Thus, the spring 32 can provide a mating force to the movable inner
contact member 26 against the substrate 48, and in particular the
contact pad 50.
[0074] As illustrated at FIGS. 4A-4B, the contact pad 50 can have
an outer pad dimension along a direction perpendicular to the
central axis 31, and the front end 60 can have an outer contact
dimension along the direction perpendicular to the central axis.
The outer pad dimension can be greater than the outer contact
dimension at the front end 60, thereby ensuring that an entirety of
the front end 60 contacts the contact pad 50. In one example, an
entirety of the front end 60 can be surrounded by the contact pad
50 in a plane that is oriented perpendicular to the central axis 31
when the front end 60 is mated with the contact pad 50.
[0075] In one specific example, the outer cross-sectional dimension
defined by the outer surface 53 of the inner movable contact member
26 can taper from approximately 18 mils to approximately 15 mils as
it extends in the forward direction to the front end 60. Thus,
outer cross-sectional dimension at the front end 60 can be
approximately 15 mils. The taper of the outer surface 53 can be
defined over any suitable taper length, such as approximately 5
mils. One example of a taper length of the outer surface 53 is
illustrated in FIGS. 2C-2D. The outer surface 53 can taper from a
first region having a first outer cross-sectional dimension to a
second region having a second outer cross-sectional dimension that
is less than the first outer cross-sectional dimension. The taper
can be a linear taper. The second outer cross-sectional dimension
can be disposed forward of the first outer cross-sectional
dimension. In one example, the second outer cross-sectional
dimension can be approximately five-sixths of the first outer
cross-sectional dimension. However, it should be appreciated that
the first and second outer cross-sectional dimensions can have any
suitable relationship as desired. For instance, the second outer
cross-sectional dimension can be within a range from approximately
50 percent to approximately 90 percent of the first outer
cross-sectional dimension. Further, the taper length can be any
suitable taper length as desired. In one example, the taper length
can be greater than the difference between the first outer
cross-sectional dimension and the second outer cross-sectional
dimension. It has been found that the front end 60 and the contact
pad 50 can define an interface having the target impedance. Thus,
the electrical contact 20 can be configured to operate at the
target impedance. In one example, the taper length can be disposed
entirely in the first zone 66 of the outer housing 22.
Alternatively, a first portion of the taper length can be disposed
in the first zone 66, and a second portion of the taper length can
be disposed in the second zone 68. The outer pad dimension of the
contact pad 50 can be approximately equal to the first outer
cross-sectional dimension in one example. It should be appreciated,
of course, that the outer pad dimension can be suitably sized as
desired.
[0076] The ground mating end 25 (see FIG. 2B) can have an inner
cross-sectional dimension as defined by the inner surface 54 of the
housing 22. The electrical contact 20 can define a gap that extends
in the radial direction from the outer surface 53 at the front end
60 of the movable inner contact member 26 to the inner surface 54
of the outer housing 22. The gap can be at least approximately 5
mils in one example. For instance, the gap can range from
approximately 5 mils to approximately 16 mils. Thus, in one
example, the inner surface 54 can define an inner cross-sectional
dimension that can range from approximately 28 mils to
approximately 50 mils, including approximately 28 mils, and
including approximately 44 mils. As described herein with other
cross-sectional dimensions, the inner cross-sectional dimension of
outer housing 22 defined by the inner surface 54 can be a diameter
or any suitable alternative dimension. It should be further
appreciated that the inner cross-sectional dimension of the outer
housing 22 can be alternatively sized as desired. In one example,
the substrate 48 can have signal vias that terminate at the contact
pads 50 and are spaced from each other a distance from centerline
to centerline. The distance can be approximately 50 mils in one
example, though the distance can be any suitable distance as
desired.
[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5B, and as described above, the
inner movable contact member 26 contacts the stationary contact
location of the stationary outer contact member 30 both when the
inner movable contact member 26 is in the initial position and the
mated position, and at all positions between the initial position
and the mated position. The stationary contact location remains
positionally constant on the stationary outer contact member 30
both when the inner movable contact member 26 is in the initial
position and the mated position, and at all positions between the
initial position and the mated position. The movable inner contact
member 26 defines a movable contact location that contacts the
stationary contact location of the inner stationary contact member
30. The contact location of the movable inner contact member 26 is
movable because it moves along the movable inner contact member 26
as the movable inner contact member 26 moves from the initial
position to the mated position.
[0078] In particular, the movable contact location of the movable
inner contact member 26, and in particular the outer surface 53,
can define a first location 62 when the movable inner contact
member 26 is in the initial position, and a second location 64 when
the movable inner contact member 26 is in the mated position. The
second location can be spaced from the first location in the
forward direction. The movable contact location of the movable
inner contact member 26 can extend from the first location to the
second location. In this regard, the stationary contact member of
the stationary inner contact member 30 can contact the movable
inner contact member 26 at the first location 62, at the second
location 64, and at all positions between the first location 62 and
the second location 64 as the movable inner contact member 26 moves
between the initial position and the mated position.
[0079] The movable inner contact member 26 can be in contact with
the stationary inner contact member 30 only at the stationary
contact location of the stationary inner contact member 30 when the
movable inner contact member 26 has moved from the initial position
toward the mated position. Further, the stationary contact location
does not move as the movable inner contact member 26 moves from the
initial position to the mated position. Thus, the RF electrical
contact can be constructed such that the impedance of the RF
electrical contact 20 in the initial configuration can be
substantially equal to the impedance of the RF electrical contact
20 in the mated configuration as described above.
[0080] For instance, the outer housing 22 can include zones of
different radial thicknesses along its length. The length of the
outer housing 22 can be oriented along the longitudinal direction.
The radial thickness of the outer housing 22 can impact the
impedance of the electrical connector, along with the radial
thickness of one or more of the movable inner contact member 26,
the stationary inner contact member 30, and the electrically
insulative spacer 28 at a location in plane with the outer housing
22 along a plane that is oriented perpendicular to the central axis
31.
[0081] In one configuration, the radially inner surface 54 of the
outer housing 22 can define a first zone 66 having a first inner
cross-sectional dimension, and a second zone 68 having a second
inner cross-sectional dimension. The second inner cross-sectional
dimension can be greater than the first inner cross-sectional
dimension. The radially inner surface 54 of the outer housing 22
can define a third zone 70 having a third inner cross-sectional
dimension. The third inner cross-sectional dimension can be greater
than the second inner cross-sectional dimension. The second inner
cross-sectional dimension can be greater than the first inner
cross-sectional dimension. The first, second, and third inner
cross-sectional dimensions can be diameters in one example, or can
be alternatively configured as desired. The first zone 66 can be
disposed forward of the second zone 68. For instance, the first
zone 66 can extend forward from the second zone 68. The second zone
68 is disposed forward of the third zone 70. For instance, the
second zone 68 can extend forward from the third zone 70. Thus, the
second zone 68 can extend rearward from the first zone 66 to the
third zone 70.
[0082] The first zone 66 can define a front end of the outer
housing 22 that faces the substrate 48 when the RF electrical
contact is mated with the substrate 48. The second zone 68 can be
radially aligned with at least a portion of the arms 41a and 41b of
the stationary inner contact member 30. That is, a plane oriented
perpendicular to the central axis 31 can extend through the second
zone 68 and the arms 41a and 41b. In particular, the second zone 68
can be radially aligned with the contact location of the stationary
inner contact member 30 both when the movable inner contact member
26 is in the initial position and when the movable inner contact
member is in the mated position. Otherwise stated, the stationary
contact location can be disposed in the second zone of the
connector housing 22. That is, the second zone 68 can be radially
aligned with the distal end of the first and second arms 41a and
41b. The third zone 70 can be radially aligned with the
electrically insulative spacer 28. Otherwise stated, the
electrically insulative spacer can be disposed in the third zone 70
of the connector housing 22. The third zone 70 can further be
radially aligned with an entirety of the stationary inner contact
member 30. Otherwise stated, an entirety of the stationary inner
contact member 30 can be disposed in the third zone 70 of the
connector housing 22.
[0083] As described above, the electrical contact 20 can be
configured to transfer data at data transfer frequencies up to
approximately 72 GHz, including approximately 67 GHz in accordance
with one example. Referring to FIG. 8, the electrical contact 20
can transmit data at data transfer frequencies of up to
approximately 67 GHz or approximately 72 GHz with a single-ended
return less than -5 dB. For instance, the single-ended return loss
can be less than -10 dB. In particular, the single-ended return
loss can be no greater than -15 dB in some examples. Further, in
some examples, the data can be transferred at crosstalk levels less
than 6% at the data transfer frequencies.
[0084] In one example, as shown at FIGS. 3A and 4A, the outer
surface 53 of the movable inner contact member 26 can be
substantially cylindrical from the flange 56 to the front end 60.
Alternatively, referring now to FIGS. 2C and 2D, the electrical
contact 20 can be geometrically configured in any suitable manner
as desired. In one example, the outer surface 53 of the movable
inner contact member 26 can be tapered as it extends in the forward
direction. Thus, the outer surface 53 can define a first region 53a
having a first outer cross-sectional dimension, and a second region
53b having a second outer cross-sectional dimension that is
different than the first cross-sectional dimension 53a. The second
region 53b can extend from the first region 53a in the forward
direction to the front end 60. The second cross-sectional dimension
at the front end 60 can be less than the first cross-sectional
dimension. The first and second cross-sectional dimensions can be
respective maximum cross-sectional dimensions at the first and
second regions 53a and 53b, respectively. In one example, the
maximum cross-sectional dimensions can extend through the central
axis 31. In some examples, the maximum cross-sectional dimensions
can be configured as diameters. For instance, the first region 53a
can be cylindrical. The second 53b region can be frustoconical. It
should be appreciated of course that the first and second regions
53a and 53b can be alternatively shaped as desired.
[0085] Referring now to FIGS. 2B-2D, it has been found that if the
dimensions at the front end of the electrical contact 20 is reduced
by an amount 33% (two-thirds), the cut-off frequency of the
electrical contact 20 can be increased by the inverse of the
amount, which can equal three-halves or 150%. Thus, the target
operating frequency can be 150% of approximately 72 GHz which is
approximately 108 GHz in one example.
[0086] Thus, in one specific example, the outer cross-sectional
dimension defined by the outer surface 53 of the inner movable
contact member 26 can taper from approximately 12 mils to
approximately 10 mils as it extends in the forward direction to the
front end 60. Thus, outer cross-sectional dimension at the front
end 60 can be approximately 10 mils. Alternatively, in some
examples, the front end 60 can be approximately 8 mils. The taper
of the outer surface 53 can be defined over any suitable taper
length, such as approximately 5 mils. One example of a taper length
of the outer surface 53 is illustrated in FIGS. 2C-2D. The outer
surface 53 can taper from the first region 53a having the first
outer cross-sectional dimension to the second region 53b having the
second outer cross-sectional dimension that is less than the first
outer cross-sectional dimension. The taper can be a linear taper.
The second outer cross-sectional dimension can be disposed forward
of the first outer cross-sectional dimension. In one example, the
second outer cross-sectional dimension can be approximately
five-sixths of the first outer cross-sectional dimension. However,
it should be appreciated that the first and second outer
cross-sectional dimensions can have any suitable relationship as
desired. For instance, the second outer cross-sectional dimension
can be within a range from approximately 50 percent to
approximately 90 percent of the first outer cross-sectional
dimension. Further, the taper length can be any suitable taper
length as desired. In one example, the taper length can be greater
than the difference between the first outer cross-sectional
dimension and the second outer cross-sectional dimension. In one
example, the taper length can be disposed entirely in the first
zone 66 of the outer housing 22. Alternatively, a first portion of
the taper length can be disposed in the first zone 66, and a second
portion of the taper length can be disposed in the second zone 68.
The outer pad dimension of the contact pad 50 can be approximately
equal to the first outer cross-sectional dimension in one example.
It should be appreciated, of course, that the outer pad dimension
can be suitably sized as desired.
[0087] As described above, the electrical contact 20 can define a
gap that extends in the radial direction from the outer surface 53
at the front end 60 of the movable inner contact member 26 to the
inner surface 54 of the outer housing 22. The gap can be at least
approximately 5 mils in one example. For instance, the gap can
range from approximately 5 mils to approximately 16 mils. Thus, in
one example, the inner surface 54 can define an inner
cross-sectional dimension that can range from approximately 22 mils
to approximately 50 mils, including approximately 22 mils, and
including approximately 44 mils. In one example, the substrate 48
can have signal vias that terminate at the contact pads 50 and are
spaced from each other a distance from centerline to centerline.
The distance can be sized such that a plurality of the electrical
contacts 20 can be mated with a respective plurality of the contact
pads 50 while maintaining electrical isolation from each other. In
one example, the contact pads 50 are placed as close together as
possible while maintaining electrical isolation between the
adjacent electrical contacts 20.
[0088] It is recognized that the electrical contact 20 can be
implemented in any suitable application as desired. In one example,
the electrical contacts 20 can be implemented in a chip testing
system. For instance, one or more electrical contact 20 can be
mated to a substrate that defines a test board for integrated
circuits, or chips. The electrical contacts can be mated to any
suitable measuring device for the purposes of measuring operating
characteristics and parameters of the chips, such as signal outputs
of the chips, as desired. The electrical contacts 20 can further be
implemented in cellular transmission towers to conduct radio
frequencies at a desired speed.
[0089] It should be appreciated that the illustrations and
discussions of the embodiments shown in the figures are for
exemplary purposes only, and should not be construed limiting the
disclosure. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present
disclosure contemplates various embodiments. Additionally, it
should be understood that the concepts described above with the
above-described embodiments may be employed alone or in combination
with any of the other embodiments described above. It should be
further appreciated that the various alternative embodiments
described above with respect to one illustrated embodiment can
apply to all embodiments as described herein, unless otherwise
indicated.
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